Colgate SuperNova and CO. by Colgate suite (currently unavailable)
Best complete whitening kit
Having good oral health is important. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, using a good mouthwash and a tongue scraper are all important parts of an oral care routine. But sometimes, you may need a little help to keep your teeth pearly white. There’s no shortage of products on the market to help with that. One of the easiest ways to achieve a whiter smile without visiting your dentist is by using a teeth whitening kit. These kits use highly concentrated whitening gels. Usually, these gels include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, though you can find some with gentler ingredients. I know there are countless options available, but here are some of the best teeth whitening kits I’ve come across.
I tested several kits to bring you this list of the best teeth whitening kit options for 2023. Though I couldn’t accurately judge these products on whitening power (I wish I could, but my teeth won’t allow it), I did judge them against criteria like mouthpiece fit, type of whitening gel, kit contents, treatment length and refill options.
Best teeth whitening kits
Number of Pieces 20 whitening vials and an LED whitening trayActive Ingredient Hydrogen peroxideType LED whitening trayResults In 10 days for maximum resultsLevel of Whitening Up to 6 shades; removes 10 years of stains
If you didn’t like Colgate’s Optic White Whitening Toothpaste, fear not. While some might find that the Optic White toothpaste has a harsh taste, the brand’s Optic White LED whitening kit is a different story.
Number of Pieces 1 custom tray and 9 to 27 applicatorsActive Ingredient Carbamide PeroxideType Custom fitted whitening traysResults In Varies by kitLevel of Whitening Varies by kit
Teeth whitening kits aren’t exactly what most people would call riveting. But I must say I was blown away by the entire SmileBrilliant process and package. I wasn’t aware you could get custom fitted whitening trays anywhere other than a dentist’s office, but you can with SmileBrilliant.
Number of Pieces 1 LED whitening trayActive Ingredient Hydrogen peroxideType LED whitening trayResults In 10 days for maximum resultsLevel of Whitening Up to 6 shades
Colgate launched a trendy sub-brand in early 2020 called CO. by Colgate. If you’re looking for an LED whitening kit with a ton of other complementary products to complete your oral health routine, definitely browse these products.
The whitening kit from Lumineux is not a typical teeth-whitening kit. Instead of hydrogen peroxide gel and an LED mouthpiece, this whitening kit simply includes daily essentials for teeth whitening, which is why it’s the best for sensitive teeth — most people with sensitive teeth can’t handle something like hydrogen peroxide and LED lights.
Number of Pieces 1 LED whitening trayActive Ingredient Carbamide PeroxideType LED whitening trayResults InAs soon as 1 treatment; 1 week for maximum resultsLevel of Whitening Up to 10 shades
This teeth-whitening kit is decent all around, but a few things prevented it from topping the list: The mouthpiece felt massive (although I have a small mouth) and the gel didn’t seem to spread evenly over my teeth. I also got quite a few white chemical burns from the gel in this product.
Other teeth whitening kit tested
While this product below wasn’t a favorite, it has some qualities worth mentioning. It may be a whitening kit for you.
Number of Pieces 1 LED whitening tray, 4 whitening pensActive Ingredient Carbamide PeroxideType LED whitening trayResults In As soon as 1 treatment
Previously, Shyn had an LED whitening kit that used Rembrandt whitening strips, which I loved. It was on my original list of the best overall teeth-whitening products. I liked the old kit because whitening strips are much less messy than whitening gel and, to my knowledge, that was the only whitening kit out there that used strips instead of gel.
How to choose the best teeth whitening kit
There are many teeth whitening kits on the market, so it might be difficult to choose the best one for you. Here’s what to consider before buying your next whitening kit.
- Key ingredients: The most effective whitening products will contain peroxide. The most common are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. While some products may contain only hydrogen peroxide and others carbamide peroxide, they have similar effects. Studies have shown that both peroxides have the same whitening effect on teeth .
- Whitening levels: If you are looking for a whitening kit to reverse years of stains, you will need one with high levels of whitening power. These may be a bit more expensive and may require longer wear or treatment. You can be less picky with whitening kits for simple upkeep or the occasional use.
- Types: There are four types of whitening kits out there — gel, LED, pens and toothpastes. Depending on the kit, you may have a few options instead of one. If you don’t know which type will work best, look for a kit that contains almost four types to try.
- Sensitivity: If you have especially sensitive teeth, it is important to look for products that cater to your needs. Whitening your teeth can be a bit uncomfortable, but if the pain is excruciating, stop using the product immediately.
- Cost: Teeth whitening kits can cost you anywhere from $50 to $500. However, professional whitening treatment can run as much as $1,800. At-home kits are the most cost effective.
Teeth whitening kit FAQs
Do any teeth whitening kits actually work?
Yes, teeth whitening kits with active ingredients such as peroxide can whiten your teeth. These kits help to remove stains by penetrating the enamel. Some teeth whitening kits can lighten your teeth up to 10 levels.
Is it OK to whiten your teeth at home?
Yes, it is OK to whiten your teeth at home with safe products. However, talk to your dentist before trying any at-home teeth whitening kits if you have thin enamel, sensitive teeth, unfilled cavities or gum disease.
What do dentists recommend to whiten teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, dentists recommend both in-office bleaching procedures and over-the-counter whitening products to be used at home. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are both effective ingredients in these whitening products. However, the ADA encourages the public to consult a professional to first determine if whitening is appropriate.
